Hilary Hawke

Hilary Hawke is a genre-defying banjoist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose work bridges the rooted traditions of American folk music with a spirit of innovation and experimentation. A native of upstate New York and a longstanding figure in New York City’s vibrant bluegrass and old-time music community, she brings warmth, charisma, and deep musical insight to every stage and classroom she enters.

Hilary is widely recognized as a leading educator and performer in the field of traditional American music. For over two decades, she has maintained a thriving private teaching studio and has served as a sought-after instructor at bluegrass and old-time music camps nationwide. Her expertise has also made her a trusted coach for stage and screen actors, including high-profile projects in theater and film.

As a performer, Hilary leads The Hilary Hawke Band, a dynamic trio featuring guitarist Ross Martin and innovative fiddler Camille Howes. The ensemble is known for its improvisational interplay, original songwriting, and reverence for American roots traditions.

Hilary served as the banjoist for the Tony Award–winning Broadway revival of Oklahoma!, as well as in productions such as Bright Star, Swept Away(featuring the Avett Brothers), and Sufjan Stevens’ Illinoise. She also arranged banjo music for the 2023 Tony-nominated revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window.

Hilary has played at Lincoln Center, Austin City Limits, StageCoach festival, Jimmy Fallon Show, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the Dubai World Expo, the Folk Music Society of New York, and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival to name a few. In 2020, she was awarded the NYC Artist Corps Grant, leading to a multimedia collaboration with experimental artists Ola & Claude.

Hilary is the producer and host of Banjo Chat, a podcast exploring the evolving role of the banjo in contemporary music. Her debut instrumental album Lilygild was released to critical acclaim, and her forthcoming album of original music with The Hilary Hawke Band is slated for release in Spring 2025. She also performs with The Brigideens, a cross-genre ensemble blending Irish and Americana traditions, led by acclaimed fiddler Eileen Ivers.

Hilary earned her Master of Arts from Columbia University’s Teachers College and holds a Bachelor of Music from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.

For more information, visit www.hilaryhawkemusic.com.

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